Bulimia

How light therapy can help Bulimia Nervosa sufferers

In this media-driven, celebrity-obsessed age there has never been as much perceived pressure on women, and girls, to have a slim figure. This has lead to a dramatic increase in eating disorders, including Bulimia Nervosa (more commonly known simply as Bulimia). It is more common than you might you think, with 1-2% of the female population suffering from it. Usually is it treated through psychoanalysis and/or drugs. However, a far more natural course of treatment has emerged, in the form of light therapy.

Studies have suggested the root cause of bulimia nervosa is a low level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an important chemical produced by the pineal gland, which helps regulates several aspects of your behaviour, notably mood and eating. A lack of serotonin leads to a lower mood, reduced energy, and cravings for starch and sugar-rich foods, leading to binge eating in bulimia sufferers. Serotonin is linked to sunlight, which explains why many bulimia sufferers experience more frequent bingeing during winter months.

Significant improvements in bingeing

Studies into the effectiveness of light therapy with bulimia have only recently begun but the early feedback is very positive. One pioneering controlled study in seasonal bulimia, conducted by Dr. Raymond Lam at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) showed that after four weeks of treatment, bingeing reduced by 50% and purging (vomiting) by 42%. Even within a fortnight of light therapy both bingeing and purging were significantly reduced.

The study mentioned above was conducted on sufferers who had seasonal bulimia, which is where their rates of bingeing and purging are increased due to seasonal depression (SAD). Studies are now being conducted into light therapy's effectiveness on bulimia when SAD is not present.

What is special about the Litebook EDGE?

Traditionally, light therapy meant being sat in front of a large lightbox (about the size of a regular mirror) and looking directly into it for an hour. While effective, it was awkward, boring and time consuming. Thankfully, the Litebook EDGE is revolutionising light therapy and making it quick and incredibly easy.

The Litebook EDGE uses white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce its light. Regular lamps have used fluorescent bulbs, which are bulky, expensive to run, and emit harmful UV rays. The white LEDs in the Litebook mean it is much smaller than conventional lamps (just 1% of the size), and because the peak wavelengths of its light replicate those of sunlight exactly, usage time is as little as 15 minutes.

Fits into your hand, and your life

The Litebook EDGE's size and built-in rechargebale battery means it can be used anywhere; on a train, aeroplane, or simply on a desk or table at home or work. Unlike regular lamps, you do not have to look directly into it, you simply have it facing you at an angle. This leaves you free to get on with other things such as eating breakfast, applying make-up or reading a newspaper. It has never been so easy to get the light you need into your routine.

As with any electrical appliance, the running costs of a light therapy unit are an important factor. The fluorescent bulbs in traditional light boxes need to be replaced every 500 hours. As they need to be used for an hour, that means new bulbs every 18 months - and some use as many as 6, at £15 each. As you can see, it does not take long for the running costs to run into the hundreds. With the Litebook, the LED's last for 100,000 hours - that's 11 years of continuous use - or a few hundreds years of proper use. So the only running costs are electricity - costing roughly £5 per decade. Over the course of its lifetime, the Litebook EDGE will save you hundreds of pounds compared to a regular light therapy unit.

60-day money back guarantee

We are so confident in the effectiveness of the Litebook EDGE that if you do not feel the benefit of it within 60 days you can return it for a refund. We are also proud of its build quality, which is why we offer a two-year warranty - which is double that of most other manufacturers. Add in the outstanding aftercare provided by Intus Healthcare and you know you can buy with complete confidence.

Available with Zero-Rated VAT

Because SAD is recognized as a medical condition by HMRC, you can buy the Litebook EDGE without having to pay VAT. If you are buying the Litebook for personal use and suffer from chronic SAD then you are eligible to purchase it without paying tax. You do not need a prescription or diagnosis, you simply have to tick a declaration during the checkout process that confirms that this is the case.

Order before 3pm for next day delivery!

If you order your Litebook EDGE before 3pm you will usually receive it on the the next working day! This means you banish your SAD as soon as possible and get back to feeling your regular self again in no time.

Need some more information?

You can find a wealth of information about light therapy and the Litebook EDGEon this site. Our support section includes and FAQ, and we also have an extensive research section. If there is anything you need to know or are unsure about, you can give us a ring on 0844 504 9999, or use the Contact Us page to send us an email, and we'll endeavour to answer any questions you may have.